TLR inhibitors

ABSTRACT

A compound of general formula (I): 
                         
wherein the meanings of the variables are explained in the specification,
 
or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. A pharmaceutical composition can include compounds of the invention, which can be used in a method for inhibiting TLR7/8 receptors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to novel compounds, which are useful as Toll-like receptor (“TLR”) inhibitors, and in particular, TLR7, TLR8, TLR7/8 (combined Toll-like receptor 7/8) inhibitors. Provided herein are novel compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, method for preparation thereof and methods of their use. The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one compound according to the invention that are useful for the treatment of conditions related to TLR inhibition, such as inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases, and methods of inhibiting the activity of TLRs in a subject.

BACKGROUND ART

Toll-like receptors (TLR receptors or TLRs) represent transmembrane proteins that detect invading pathogens by binding pathogen derived molecules and that induce signaling cascades for proinflammatory gene expression. More precisely, TLRs recognize highly conserved structural motifs known as pathogen-associated microbial patterns (PAMPs), which are exclusively expressed by microbial pathogens, or danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are endogenous molecules released from necrotic or dying cells. This includes intracellular proteins such as heat shock proteins as well as protein fragments from the extracellular matrix (McCarthy C. et al, “Toll-like receptors and damage-associated molecular patterns: novel links between inflammation and hypertension” Am. J. Physiol. Heart. Circ. Physiol., 2014, 15 Jan.; 306(2):H184-96).

The TLR receptors were reported as a key component of innate and adaptive immunity (Pasare C., et al (2005) “Toll-Like Receptors: Linking Innate and Adaptive Immunity”. In: Gupta S., Paul W. E., Steinman R. (eds) Mechanisms of Lymphocyte Activation and Immune Regulation X. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 560. Springer, Boston, Mass.).

Among the TLR family, TLR7/8 (toll like receptors 7/8) are nucleotide-sensing TLRs which can be activated by single-stranded RNA (Heil, F. et al, “Species-Specific Recognition of Single-Stranded RNA via Toll-like Receptor 7 and 8.”, Science, 2004, 303 (5663): 1526-29).

Upon PAMP recognition, the TLR typically induces intracellular signaling cascades. An inflammatory response for a short duration can be beneficial because it helps to clear the infectious agent. However, prolonged inflammation is not desirable due to possible tissue damage. Indeed, excessive production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines via TLR pathways is often associated with many inflammatory-associated and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, fine control of inflammation in the TLR pathway is highly desirable for effective host defense.

The TLR family, and in particular, TLR7/8 plays an important role in pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity as well as in the regulation of antiviral immunity (Ramirez-Ortiz et al. “TREML4 amplifies TLR7-mediated signaling during antiviral responses and autoimmunity”, Nat Immunol. 2015 May; 16(5): 495-504). Manipulation of TLR7 signaling may be considered as a potential strategy to reduce chronic hyper-immune activation and, thereby, disease progression in HIV infection (S. Baenziger et al “Triggering TLR7 in mice induces immune activation and lymphoid system disruption, resembling HIV-mediated pathology”, Blood 2009 113:377-388).

Other results demonstrated that triggering TLR7 could lead to lymphoid system disruption (Awais et al. 2017; Baenziger et al. 2009). Stimulation of TLRs by the corresponding PAMPs or DAMPs initiates signaling cascades leading to the activation of transcription factors, such as AP-1, NF-κB and interferon regulatory factors (IRFs). IRFs form a family of transcription factors known to play a critical role in antiviral defense, cell growth and immune regulation. More specifically, TLR7 and TLR8 activate IRF5 and IRF7 (Schoenemeyer A. et al. “The Interferon Regulatory Factor, IRF5, Is a Central Mediator of Toll-like Receptor 7 Signaling” 2005, Vol. 280, No. 17, pp. 17005-17012). NF-kappa-B (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation by TLR7 is done through MyD88 gene dependent signaling cascade, via their respective TLR domains (Hemmi et al, Nature Immunology, 3(2), 196-200) and TRAF6. This cascade also leads to cytokine secretion and the inflammatory response. NF-κB plays a critical role in the development of tumors in the context of chronic inflammation (J. Cherfils-Vicini et al “Triggering of TLR7 and TLR8 expressed by human lung cancer cells induces cell survival and chemoresistance”, J Clin Invest. 2010; 120(4):1285-1297).

It was shown that TLR7 deficiency leads to TLR8 compensative regulation of immune response (Awais M., et al, “TLR7 Deficiency Leads to TLR8 Compensative Regulation of Immune Response against JEV in Mice”, Frontiers in Immunol., vol. 8, 2017, 160).

In addition to autoimmune diseases, these TLR7/8 are also under investigation in other diseases associated with uncontrolled acute or chronic inflammation, such as malaria (Gao W, et al, “Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor Signaling as a Promising Therapy for Inflammatory Diseases: A Journey from Molecular to Nano Therapeutics”, Front Physiol. 2017; 8: 508).

The pathology of Alzheimer's disease has an inflammatory component that is characterized by upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly in response to amyloid-b (Ab), in particular, IL-12 and IL-23 interleukins (Vom Berg J. et al, Inhibition of IL-12/IL-23 signaling reduces Alzheimer's disease-like pathology and cognitive decline, Nat Med. 2012 Dec.; 18(12):1812-9).

It was established that neuroinflammation plays a significant role in Parkinson disease progression. Many studies shown elevated cytokines levels, including TNF and IL-6 in Parkinson disease patients (Pereira JR, IL-6 serum levels are elevated in Parkinson's disease patients with fatigue compared to patients without fatigue, J. Neurolog. Sciences, 2016, 370:153-156).

Although TLR expression was first observed in immune host cells, several reports have described the expression of TLRs in nonmalignant and malignant epithelial cells. In particular, TLR7 and TLR8 are expressed in human lung tumors (Cherfils-Vicini J. et al, Triggering of TLR7 and TLR8 expressed by human lung cancer cells induces cell survival and chemoresistance, J Clin Invest. 2010; 120(4): 1285-1297).

TLRs are expressed on many types of cancer cells. During chronic inflammation, abnormal activation of TLRs in normal fibroblasts and epithelial cells might facilitate neoplastic transformation and carcinogenesis. Cancer cells activated by TLR signals can release cytokines and chemokines that recruit and optimize immune cells to release further cytokines and chemokines. The result is an aberrant cytokine profile associated with immune tolerance, cancer progression and propagation of the tumor microenvironment (Sato Y. et al, “Cancer Cells Expressing Toll-like Receptors and the Tumor” Cancer Microenviron. 2009 September; 2(Suppl 1): 205-214).

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one cytokine molecule, which is produced and secreted by various types of cells, including the tumor cells. It is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of malignant cells and found to be high in serum and tumor tissues of most cancers, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer and multiple myeloma. Elevated levels of IL-6 are associated with aggressive tumor growth and response to therapies in many types of cancer. Patients with high levels of circulating IL-6 are generally associated with poor prognosis and shorter survival, whilst a lower level of IL-6 is associated with better response to therapy. IL-6 plays an important role in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance through inhibition of cancer cell apoptosis and stimulation of tumor-promoting factors, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, etc. These effects are mediated by several signaling pathways (Neeraj Kumari et al, “Role of interleukin-6 in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance”, Tumor Biol. (2016) 37: 11553-11572).

It was demonstrated that p40 monomer of IL-12 plays an important role in helping cancer cells to escape cell death. It was found that different mouse and human cancer cells produced greater levels of p40 than p40 homodimer (p402), IL-12, or IL-23. Similarly, the serum level of p40 was much greater in patients with prostate cancer (Kundu M. et al, “Selective neutralization of IL-12 p40 monomer induces death in prostate cancer cells via IL-12-IFN-γ”, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2017 Oct. 24; 114(43):11482-11487).

Concluding, excessive TLR activation can affect the immune system homeostasis by excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production, and consequently is responsible for the development of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus, infection-associated sepsis, atherosclerosis, and asthma, and cancer deceases. It is therefore believed that inhibitors/antagonists targeting TLR signals may be beneficial to treat these disorders.

Thus, it is desirable to regulate the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the TLR-mediated pathways.

Ligand research can be based on the fact that TLR7 and 8 recognize single-stranded viral RNA. Synthetic analogues have structures reminiscent of DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, such as guanosine-containing compounds and imidazoquinolines with antiviral activities have been described to activate these receptors (Hemmi et al, “Small anti-viral compounds activate immune cells via the TLR7 MyD88-dependent signaling pathway” Nature Immunology, 3(2), 196-200).

Patent application WO/2015/088045 (TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY LIMITED, JP, 18, Jun. 2015) discloses pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridine derivatives having a TLR7, TLR9, TLR7/8, TLR7/9 or TLR7/8/9 inhibitory action, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of autoimmune diseases. But, there still is a need to provide compounds that would effectively inhibit TLR7/8 receptors.

Further, there are drugs targeting TLR7 for different types of indications (S. Rakoff-Nahoum et al. 2009. “Toll-like Receptors and Cancer.” Nature Reviews. Cancer 9 (1): 57-63; Hennessy, Elizabeth J., Andrew E. Parker, and Luke A. J. O'Neill. 2010. “Targeting Toll-like Receptors: Emerging Therapeutics?” Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery 9 (4): 293-307) currently at different stages of development or clinical trials for each of these indications.

Imiquimod (Aldara™; R-837, S-26308), an imidazoquinoline amine, is an immunomodulating agent that was initially approved in 1997 by the FDA for topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts. Studies using imiquimod as a treatment for a variety of benign, premalignant and malignant diseases were researched, such as keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia and such autoimmune deceases as localized scleroderma, alopecia (Sauder, D. N. 2003. “Imiquimod: Modes of Action” The British Journal of Dermatology 149 (s66): 5-8). Imiquimod was reported as a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist (Drug News Perspect. 2008 April; 21(3):158-65).

TLR antagonistic trials include treatment of septic shock and autoimmune disorders, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus.

Hydroxychloroquine was reported as a Toll-like receptor 7 antagonist. This drug targets TLR7 for different indications such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, IGA glomerulonephritis, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, coronary artery disease, prediabetes syndrome, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary sarcoidosis (Scherbel Al., et al. “Comparison of effects of two antimalarial agents, hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis”. Cleve. Clin. Q. 1957; 24:98-104; F. Sheikhbahaie et al., “The effect of hydroxychloroquine on glucose control and insulin resistance in the prediabetes condition”, Adv. Biomed. Res. 2016; 5: 145, published online 2016 Aug. 30; Kalia, Sunil, and Jan P. Dutz. 2007. “New Concepts in Antimalarial Use and Mode of Action in Dermatology” Dermatologic Therapy 20 (4): 160-74; A. Makkouk et al “The potential use of toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and antagonists as prophylactic and/or therapeutic agents”, Immunopharm. and Immunotoxic, 2009; 31(3): 331-338).

However, there are reports of side effects of hydroxychloroquine therapy, such as cardiomyopathy (Catherine A. Millares-Sipin et al, “Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Associated With Long-Term Use of Hydroxychloroquine for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus”, J. of Pharm. Practice. 30(5):571-575, October 2017) while treating lupus erythematosus.

Concluding, modulation of TLR 7/8 receptors allows a treatment to regulate immune system homeostasis, and therefore remains an area of investigation for therapies.

However, the exact mechanism by which modulating these TLRs promotes/inhibits immune responses for different immunity intruding objects remains unclear, and different TLR7/8 modulators have been found to induce different responses. So at present, further research and development of effective and selective TLR7 and 8 modulators may be advantageous.

The major potential drawback to the use of certain TLR antagonists is an increase in susceptibility to infectious agents and tumors.

Moreover, in treating autoimmune deceases, a common problem is a necessity of long term or permanent patient therapy, and therefore it is important to have a variety of medicaments to make it possible to change a medicament as desired or needed in order to avoid unfavorable side effects in the treated subject.

Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a new type of effective TLR 7/8 inhibitor that can be used during treatment of, inter alia, autoimmune deceases, inflammatory diseases and cancer diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a compound of the Formula I:

wherein, ring B is a substituted or unsubstituted monocycle containing 3-7 atoms, the monocycle being selected from a cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl, wherein the heterocyclyl or heteroaryl has from 1 to 4 heteroatoms, which are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; G represents a substituted or unsubstituted C₀-C₅ alkylene; one of W, U, E and J represents CR-T or N-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; T represents:

wherein, Z is selected from —O—C(O)—, —(O)C—O—, —N—C(O)—, —(O)C—N—, —O—C(NR)—, —(NR)C—O—, —O—C(S)—, —(S)C—O—, —C(O)—, —C(O)ON—, and —N—C(O)—O—; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 24, thereby forming an alkylene chain, wherein the carbon atoms of the alkylene chain can be replaced by at least one heteroatom, wherein the heteroatoms are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, with the proviso that each heteroatom is separated from each other heteroatom by at least one carbon atom; the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy; A is 3-8 membered cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, which can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R group substituents, R₁ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogen, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, —CN, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; R₂ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, —CN, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, CHal₃ (carbon atom with three halogens), —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or two R groups together, if present, form a 3-8 membered saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring that contains at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, or a stereoisomeric form.

Preferably, both ring B and the ring formed by N, Y, W, E, J and C are monocycle rings, i.e. they are not condensed with other saturated or unsaturated rings.

The invention also relates to particular embodiments of new compounds as described in the specification below.

The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of the present invention. The composition can be used in the treatment of a disorder or disease, which is mediated by the activity of TLR7, TLR8, or both TLR7/8, autoimmune diseases and/or inflammatory diseases and/or cancer.

More particularly, the indicated disorders are selected from hypersensitivity, diseases associated with the over-stimulation of host's (e.g., subject or patient with disorder) immune system by microbes, interferon-mediated diseases or inflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation diseases.

The invention further relates to a method for inhibiting TLR7, TLR8, or TLR7/8 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to said subject with the disorder a compound according to general formulae (I) to (V) and formulae 1 to 30 as described below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The disorder can be one selected from antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune myocarditis, autoimmune orchitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic Lupus Erythematosus, lupus nephritis, osteoporosis, systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (Cronh's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D, periodic fever syndrome, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sepsis, atherosclerosis, Celiac disease, cancer, Sjogren's Syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) possessing properties of TLR7 receptor inhibition, TL8 inhibition or dual inhibition of TLR7 and TLR8.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a compound of general formula (I):

wherein, ring B is a substituted or unsubstituted monocycle containing 3-7 atoms, the monocycle being selected from a cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl or heteroaryl, wherein the heterocyclyl or heteroaryl has from 1 to 4 heteroatoms, which are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; G represents a substituted or unsubstituted C₀-C₅ alkylene; one of W, U, E and J represents CR-T or N-T and the rest of W, U, and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; T represents:

wherein, Z is selected from —O—C(O)—, —(O)C—O—, —N—C(O)—, —(O)C—N—, —O—C(NR)—, —(NR)C—O—, —O—C(S)—, —(S)C—O—, —C(O)—, —C(O)ON—, and —N—C(O)—O—; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 24, thereby forming an alkylene chain, wherein the carbon atoms of the alkylene chain can be replaced by at least one heteroatom, wherein the heteroatoms are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, with the proviso that each heteroatom is separated from each other heteroatom by at least one carbon atom; the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₀alkoxy; A is 3 to 8 membered cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, which can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R substituents, R₁ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogen, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, —CN, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; R₂ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, —CN, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl (e.g., alkyl-amide), —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀ aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or two R groups together, if present, form 3-8 membered saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring which contains at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Preferably, both ring B and the ring formed by N, Y, W, E, J and C are monocycle rings, i.e. they are not condensed with other saturated or unsaturated rings.

In the second aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula (I) characterized in that the compound is a compound of general formula (II):

wherein, Y and L are independently CR or N; or one of Y and L is absent, one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- or N-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; G represents an unsubstituted C₀-C₅ alkylene;

T represents:

wherein, Z is selected from —O—C(O)—, —(O)C—O—, —N—C(O)—, —(O)C—N—, —O—C(NR)—, —(NR)C—O—, —O—C(S)—, —(S)C—O—, —C(O)—, —C(O)ON—, and —N—C(O)—O—; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 12, thereby forming an alkylene chain, wherein the carbon atoms of the alkylene chain can be replaced by at least one heteroatom, wherein the heteroatoms are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, with the proviso that each heteroatom is separated from each other heteroatom by at least one carbon atom; the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₀alkoxy; A is 3-8 membered substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, R₁ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, F, C₁, halogenated C₁-C₄ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or —CN; R₂ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, or —CN; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl(alkyl-amide), —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In further aspect, the compound of the invention is characterized in that the compound is a compound of general formula (III):

wherein, Y and L are independently CR or N; or optionally one of Y and L is absent, one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- or N-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; G represents an unsubstituted C₀-C₅ alkylene; T represents:

wherein, X represents —(CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain, wherein the carbon atoms of the alkylene chain can be replaced by at least one heteroatom, wherein the heteroatoms are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, with the proviso that each heteroatom is separated from each other heteroatom by at least one carbon atom; the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀alkyl; or C₁-C₁₀alkoxy; A is 3 to 8 membered substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, R₁ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, F, C₁, halogenated C₁-C₄alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, or —CN; R₂ is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, or —CN; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula (III) as defined herein, wherein in the formula (III) with the definitions provided herein, the T represents:

or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In a further aspect of the present invention, in the formula (III), as defined herein, the T represents:

wherein any of these structures can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups, each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Further, the invention relates to a compound of formula (III) as defined herein, wherein one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- or N-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; and T represents:

wherein X is —(CH₂)_(n)— and n is 1 to 5, A is 3-8 membered substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl or heteroaryl, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, in the formula (III), one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- or N-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; T represents:

wherein the rings in T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, or T12 are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups, wherein each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Further the invention relates to a compound of formula (III) as defined herein, wherein one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- or N-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂, NR or S; X in the T structures represents (—CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain, wherein the carbon atoms of the alkylene chain can be replaced by at least one heteroatom, wherein the heteroatoms are independently —O—, or —NH—, with the proviso that each heteroatom is separated from each other heteroatom by at least one carbon atom; the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy;

A represents a fragment or structure selected from:

in which the structures for A can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups that are independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkyl, —F, —C₁, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OMe, —OEt, hydroxy C₁-C₄ alkyl, —OH, or —CN; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, in the compound of formula (III) as defined herein, the R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from halogen, —CN, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy-CHal₃, —C(O)OR, wherein R is H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, NR₂, wherein R is independently H or C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or two R groups together can form a 3-8 membered saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring which contains at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In yet another aspect, in the formula (III) as defined herein, wherein A represents:

wherein the number of R groups is varied from 1 to 3, and each R is independently selected from halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the compound is a compound of formula (IV):

wherein, Y and L are independently CH or N; or optionally one of Y and L is absent, G1 is CH₂ or absent, each R is independently selected from H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, or —CN; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain, the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the compound is a compound of formula (V):

wherein Y is CH or N; or Y is absent, each R is independently selected from H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, or —CN; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n) wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain, the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆alkoxy; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Further the terms as used herein are defined.

The term “alkyl”, as used herein, means a straight-chain (i.e., unbranched) or branched hydrocarbon chain that is completely saturated. Alkyl groups contain 1-12 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, alkyl groups contain 1-6 carbon atoms. In other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-4 aliphatic carbon atoms. In still other embodiments, alkyl groups contain 1-3 carbon atoms, and in yet other embodiments, aliphatic groups contain 1-2 aliphatic carbon atoms.

Exemplary alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, nonyl and decyl.

The term “cycloalkyl”, as used herein, refers to a monocyclic C₃-C₈ hydrocarbon that is completely saturated or that contains one or more units of unsaturation, but which is not aromatic, that has a single point of attachment to the rest of the molecule. Exemplary groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cycooctyl, cyclodecyl, cyclododecyl and adamantyl.

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “alkenyl” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to straight or branched chain radicals of 2 to 20 carbons, in some embodiments 2 to 12 carbons, and in some embodiments 2 to 8 carbons in the main chain, which include one or more double bonds in the main chain, such as vinyl, 2-propenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 4-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 2-heptenyl, 3-heptenyl, 4-heptenyl, 3-octenyl, 3-nonenyl, 4-decenyl, 3-undecenyl, 4-dodecenyl, 4,8,12-tetradecatrienyl, and the like. “Substituted alkenyl” includes an alkenyl group optionally substituted with one or more substituents, such as the substituents included above in the definition of “alkyl” and “cycloalkyl”.

Unless otherwise indicated, the term “alkynyl” as used herein by itself or as part of another group refers to straight or branched chain radicals of 2 to 20 carbons, in some embodiments 2 to 12 carbons and in some embodiments 2 to 8 carbons in the normal chain, which include one or more triple bonds in the normal chain, such as 2-propynyl, 3-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 4-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 2-heptynyl, 3-heptynyl, 4-heptynyl, 3-octynyl, 3-nonynyl, 4-decynyl, 3-undecynyl, 4-dodecynyl and the like. “Substituted alkynyl” includes an alkynyl group optionally substituted with one or more substituents, such as the substituents included above in the definition of “alkyl” and “cycloalkyl.”

The term “halogen” means F, C₁, Br, or I.

The terms “halogenated alkyl”, “halogenated alkenyl” and “alkynyl” as used herein alone or as part of another group refers to “alkyl”, “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” which are substituted by one or more atoms selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine.

The term “alkoxyl” refers to straight and branched aliphatic hydrocarbon chains attached to an oxygen atom, for example methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy and the like.

The term “heteroatom” means one or more of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or phosphorus (including, any oxidized form of nitrogen, sulfur, or phosphorus; the quaternized form of any basic nitrogen or; a substitutable nitrogen of a heterocyclic ring, for example N (as in 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolyl), NH (as in pyrrolidinyl) or NR+ (as in N-substituted pyrrolidinyl)).

The term “alkylene” refers to a bivalent alkyl group. An “alkylene chain” is a polymethylene group, i.e., —(CH₂)_(n)—, wherein n is a positive integer, preferably from 1 to 6, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 3, from 1 to 2, or from 2 to 3. A substituted alkylene chain is a polymethylene group in which one or more methylene hydrogen atoms are replaced with a substituent. Suitable substituents include those described below for a substituted aliphatic group.

The term “alkenylene” refers to a bivalent alkenyl group. A substituted alkenylene chain is a polymethylene group containing at least one double bond in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced with a substituent. Suitable substituents include those described below for a substituted aliphatic group.

The term “aryl” used individually or as part of a larger moiety as in “aralkyl”, “aralkoxy”, or “aryloxy alkyl”, unless otherwise indicated, refers to monocyclic and bicyclic ring systems having a total of 3 to 14 ring members, wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic and wherein each ring in the system contains three to seven ring members. In certain embodiments of the present invention, “aryl” refers to an aromatic ring system. Exemplary aryl groups are cyclopentadienyl, phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthracyl and the like. Also included within the scope of the term “aryl”, as it is used herein, is a group in which an aromatic ring is fused to one or more non-aromatic rings, such as indanyl, phthalimidyl, naphthimidyl, phenanthridinyl, or tetrahydronaphthyl, and the like.

The terms “heteroaryl” used alone or as part of a larger moiety, e.g., “heteroaralkyl”, or “heteroaralkoxy”, refer to groups having 5 to 10 ring atoms, preferably 5, 6, or 9 ring atoms; and having, in addition to carbon atoms, from one to five heteroatoms. The term “heteroatom” refers to nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, and includes any oxidized form of nitrogen or sulfur, and any quaternized form of a basic nitrogen.

Heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, thienyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolizinyl, purinyl, naphthyridinyl, and pteridinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, dibenzofuranyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, and pyrido[2,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-3(4H)-one.

The term “heteroaralkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted by a heteroaryl, bonded with alkyl and heteroaryl portions.

The term “heterocyclyl”, unless otherwise indicated, refers to a 3- to 7-membered, preferably 5- to 7-membered, monocyclic or 7-10-membered bicyclic heterocyclic moiety which can be saturated or partially unsaturated. In addition to carbon atoms, one or more, preferably one to four, heteroatoms, can be contained as defined above.

Examples of such saturated or partially unsaturated heterocyclic radicals include, without limitation, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperazinyl, dioxanyl, dioxolanyl, diazepinyl, oxazepinyl, thiazepinyl, morpholinyl, and quinuclidinyl. Also within the invention heterocyclyl ring can be fused to one or more aryl, heteroaryl, or cycloalkyl rings, such as indolinyl, 3H-indolyl, chromanyl, phenanthridinyl, or tetrahydroquinolinyl, where the radical or point of attachment is on the heterocyclyl ring. A heterocyclyl group is optionally mono- or bicyclic.

When forming a radical, a heterocyclic ring can be attached to the main molecule at any heteroatom or carbon atom that allow to form a stable structure.

The term “monocyclic” refers to a monovalent saturated or partially unsaturated or aromatic cyclic radical having no fused rings attached, but optionally having sub stituents in any suitable atom within the cycle.

Unless otherwise indicated, an “optionally substituted” group has a suitable substituent at any moiety position available for substitution. Number of substituent is defined by stability of molecule and while choosing the substituents the one skilled in the art would easily define which character and number of substituents can be used depending on the application field. If otherwise indicated, the substituent can be selected from H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R; a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which are suitable to use within mammals and do not tend to be toxic. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are formed using inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid, or with organic acids such as tartaric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid, terephthalic acid. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, valerate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, formate, citrate, oxalate, pivalate, succinate, tartrate, fumarate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, undecanoate, alginate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, sulfate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, persulfate, ethanesulfonate, dodecylsulfate, and the like and mixture salts.

Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N(Calkyl) salts. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include Sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions, such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, alkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate.

The compounds of formula (I) include all possible optical isomers and racemic mixtures thereof. Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are meant to include all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, Z and E double bond isomers, and Z and E conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereo chemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention.

The compounds of Formula I can be used in the form of addition salts. More particular, acid addition salts can be used such as chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, methane sulfonates and salts of other pharmaceutically acceptable acids. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salts of compounds of Formula I are generally prepared by reaction of the respective compound with an equimolar amount of a relatively strong acid, preferably an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric, sulfuric or phosphoric acid or an organic acid such as methanesulfonic acid in a polar solvent. Isolation of the salt is facilitated by the addition of a solvent in which the salt is insoluble, an example of such a solvent being diethyl ether.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a pharmaceutical composition is provides comprising one or more compounds as indicated above or a salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. More particularly, the pharmaceutical composition according is useful in the treatment of a disorder or disease which is mediated by the activity of TLR7, TLR8, or both TLR7/8 receptors, autoimmune diseases and/or inflammatory diseases and/or cancer. The disorders can be selected from hypersensitivity, diseases associated with the over-stimulation of host's (subject or patient) immune system by microbes, interferon-mediated diseases or inflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation diseases.

In another aspect of the present invention, the compound of the invention is capable of inhibiting TLR7 receptor or TLR8, or both TLR7 and TLR8 receptors.

In another aspect of the present invention claimed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more compounds of formulae I to V and 1 to 30 below, or a salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In another aspect of the present invention claimed is a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of a disorder or disease which is mediated by the activity of TLR7 receptor, TLR8 receptor or both TLR7/8, autoimmune diseases and/or inflammatory diseases and/or cancer.

The disorders are selected from diseases associated with the over-stimulation of host's immune system by microbes, interferon-mediated diseases or inflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation diseases. Preferably the disorder is selected from antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune myocarditis, autoimmune orchitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic Lupus Erythematosus, lupus nephritis, osteoporosis, systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (Cronh's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D, periodic fever syndrome, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sepsis, atherosclerosis, Celiac disease, Sjogren's Syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer.

Preferably, cancer is selected from colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer and multiple myeloma.

In another aspect, a method is claimed for inhibiting TLR7, TLR8, or TLR7/8 activity in a subject comprising the step of administering to said subject with a compound according to the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The method comprises contacting cells which express the TLR7, TLR8, or TLR7/8 receptor in an amount that is sufficient to inhibit TLR7, TLR8, or TLR7/8 receptor. The method can be practiced in vivo or in vitro.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of treating a condition in a patient that is mediated by the binding of TLR7, TLR8, or TLR7/8 receptor. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention. Preferably, the compound to be administered selectively inhibits the TLR7, TLR8, or TLR7/8 receptor.

The amount of compound in compositions of this invention is such that it is effective to measurably inhibit TLR7/8 in a subject.

The term “subject”, as used herein, means an animal, preferably a cell, biological tissue, or animal, preferably mammal, and most preferably a human.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle” refers to a non-toxic carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle that does not substantially vary the pharmacological activity of the compound with which it is formulated. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or vehicles that are used in the compositions of this invention include, but are not limited to, lecithin, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, buffer substances such as cytric acid and phosphates,

A method of the present invention treats disorders are selected from diseases associated with the over-stimulation of host's immune system by microbes, interferon-mediated diseases or inflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation diseases. Preferably, the disease is selected from antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune myocarditis, autoimmune orchitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, autoimmune retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic Lupus Erythematosus, lupus nephritis, osteoporosis, systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (Cronh's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D, periodic fever syndrome, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sepsis, atherosclerosis, Celiac disease, Sjogren's Syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer, preferably selected from colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer and multiple myeloma.

Compositions of the present invention comprising the compounds of Formulae (I) to (V) and 1 to 30 below described as TLR inhibitors of the present invention and optionally at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, are acceptable for any administration. In particular, they can be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir.

The term “parenteral” as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, etc. Preferably, the compositions are to be administered orally, or intravenously. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that are employed are water and Ringer's solution, alone or in combination with mono- or di- or poly-glycerides.

Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention are orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form. Exemplary oral dosage forms are capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried cornstarch.

Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention comprising the compounds of Formulae (I) to (V) described as TLR inhibitors of the present invention are also administered topically, especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including diseases of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas or organs.

For topical applications, provided pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are formulated in a suitable ointment wherein the compound of the invention, optionally with other active components, is suspended or dissolved in one or more carriers. Exemplary carriers for topical administration of compounds of this are mineral oil, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene and water. Suitable topical carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbates, cetyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and water.

Pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention are optionally administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and are prepared as solutions in saline, employing certain conservants, including benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, and/or other conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents.

The amount of the compounds of Formulae (I) to (V) described as TLR inhibitors of the present invention of the present invention that are optionally combined with the carrier of vehicle materials to produce a composition in a single dosage form for treating a subject will vary depending upon the host treated, the particular mode of administration. Preferably, provided compositions should be formulated so that a dosage of between 0.01-100 mg/kg body weight/day of the compound can be administered to a patient receiving these compositions.

The compounds of Formulae (I) to (IV) described as TLR inhibitors of the present invention can also be in micro-encapsulated form with one or more excipients as noted above. The solid dosage forms of tablets, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings, release controlling coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. In such solid dosage forms the active compound may be admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch. Such dosage forms also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., tableting lubricants and other tableting aids such a magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage forms optionally also comprise buffering agents. They optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes.

The compounds of Formulae (I) to (V) described as TLR inhibitors of the present invention can may be useful as a within a pharmaceutical composition as a vaccine adjuvant for use in conjunction with any material that modulates immune response, such as, for example, live viral, bacterial, or parasitic immunogens; inactivated viral, tumor-derived, protozoal, organism-derived, fungal, or bacterial immunogens, toxoids, toxins; self-antigens; polysaccharides; proteins; glycoproteins; peptides; cellular vaccines; DNA vaccines; recombinant proteins; glycoproteins; peptides; and the like. In some aspects, the combination therapy including but not limited to the combination of a TLR inhibitor and a vaccine is used in the treatment of an autoimmune disease or an inflammatory disorder. In some aspects, the combination therapy including but not limited to the combination of a TLR inhibitor and a vaccine is used in the treatment of an infectious disease.

Dosage forms for topical or transdermal administration of a compound of this invention include ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants or patches. The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and any needed preservatives or buffers as required. Ophthalmic formulation, ear drops, and eye drops are also contemplated as being within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the present invention contemplates the use of transdermal patches, which have the added advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound to the body. Such dosage forms can be made by dissolving or dispensing the compound in the proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used to increase the flux of the compound across the skin. The rate can be controlled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or by dispersing the compound in a polymer matrix or gel.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for treating a subject suffering from a TLR7/8 related disorder, comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formulae (I) to (IV), in a therapeutically effective amount.

The term “therapeutically effective amount”, as used herein, refers to a dosage and duration of administration which is commonly known in the art and recognized and utilized by the medical community. Such an amount will vary depending on the particular agent(s) administered, the size and/or condition of the subject receiving treatment or other medical factors determined by the administering physician.

The compounds of the present invention are useful as anticancer agents for cancers that are responsive to TLR7 activation. In certain embodiments, the cancers include, but are not limited to cancer of the breast, bladder, bone, brain, central and peripheral nervous system, colon, sarcoma, ovary, pancreas, prostate, rectum, renal, small intestine, soft tissue, testis, stomach, skin, ureter, vagina and vulva; inherited cancers, retinomblastoma, Wilms tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, non-Hodgkins disease, chronic and acute myeloid leukaemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and T-cell lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and AIDS related cancer type diseases.

Immune suppression and/or inhibition according to the methods described herein may be practiced on individuals including those suffering from a disorder associated with an unwanted activation of an immune response. The present disclosure also provides methods for inhibiting a TLR7 and/or TLR8 induced response (e.g., in vitro or in vivo). In some variations, the cell is contacted with the TLR inhibitor in an amount effective to inhibit a response from the cell that contributes to an immune response.

Inhibition of TLR7 and TLR8 and dual inhibition of both are useful for treating and/or preventing a variety of diseases or disorders associated with cytokine activity. Conditions for which TLR7 and/or TLR8 inhibitors may be used as treatments include, but are not limited to, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders.

Provided herein are methods of inhibiting an immune response in a subject, the method comprising administering to the individual at least one TLR inhibitor as disclosed herein in an amount effective to inhibit the immune response in the individual. In some variations, the immune response is associated with an autoimmune disease. In further aspects, wherein inhibiting the immune response ameliorates one or more symptoms of the autoimmune disease. In still further aspects, wherein inhibiting the immune response treats the autoimmune disease. In yet further aspects, wherein inhibiting the immune response prevents or delays development of the autoimmune disease. In some variations, the TLR inhibitor inhibits a TLR7-dependent immune response. In some variations, the TLR inhibitor inhibits a TLR8-dependent immune response. In some variations, the TLR inhibitor inhibits a TLR7-dependent and a TLR8-dependent immune response. In some aspects, at least one TLR inhibitor is administered in an amount effective to inhibit an immune response in the individual.

Provided herein are also methods of treating or preventing an autoimmune disease in an individual, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a TLR7 and/or TLR8 inhibitor. In some aspects, the autoimmune disease is associated with the skin, muscle tissue, and/or connective tissue. In some embodiments, the autoimmune disease is not evidenced in the individual by skin, muscle tissue, and/or connective tissue symptoms.

In some embodiments, the autoimmune disease is systemic. Autoimmune diseases include, without limitation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune pancreatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, antiphospholipid syndrome, sclerosing cholangitis, systemic onset arthritis, irritable bowel disease, scleroderma, Sjogren's disease, vitiligo, polymyositis, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and autoimmune hepatitis.

Accordingly, the invention provides a method of inhibiting TLR7, TLR8 or TLR7/8 in an animal, especially a mammal, preferably a human comprising administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula I to the animal. As with all compositions for inhibition of an immune response, the effective amounts and method of administration of the particular TLR inhibitor formulation can vary based on the individual, what condition is to be treated and other factors evident to one skilled in the art. An effective amount of a compound will vary according to factors known in the art but is expected to be a dose of about 0.1 to 10 mg/kg, 0.5 to 10 mg/kg, 1 to 10 mg/kg, 0.1 to 20 mg/kg, 0.1 to 20 mg/kg, or 1 to 20 mg/kg.

In some embodiments, the combination therapy including but not limited to the combination of a TLR inhibitor and a corticosteroid is used in the treatment of an autoimmune disease or an inflammatory disorder. In some embodiments, the autoimmune disease is selected from but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune skin disease, multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis, glomerulonephritis, pyelitis, Sclerosing cholangitis, and type I diabetes. In some embodiments, the autoimmune disease is Sjogren's disease.

Also provided herein are kits comprising a TLR inhibitor as provided herein, and instructions for use in the methods of inhibiting a TLR7- and/or TLR8-dependent immune response.

The kits may comprise one or more containers comprising a TLR inhibitor (or a formulation comprising a TLR inhibitor) as described herein, and a set of instructions, generally written instructions although electronic storage media (e.g., magnetic diskette or optical disk) containing instructions are also acceptable, relating to the use and dosage of the TLR inhibitor or formulation for the intended treatment (e.g., suppression of a TLR7 and/or TLR8-dependent immune response, ameliorating one or more symptoms of an autoimmune disease, ameliorating a symptom of chronic inflammatory disease, decreasing cytokine production in response to a virus, and/or treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of a disease or disorder mediated by TLR7 and/or TLR8). The instructions included with the kit generally include information as to dosage, dosing schedule, and route of administration for the intended treatment. The containers for the TLR inhibitor (or formulations comprising a TLR inhibitor) may be unit doses, bulk packages (e.g., multi-dose packages) or sub-unit doses. The kits may further comprise a container comprising an adjuvant.

The invention will be further explained with examples which are intended to illustrate the particular embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

As depicted in the Examples below, in certain exemplary embodiments, compounds are prepared according to the following general procedures. It will be appreciated that, although the general methods depict the synthesis of certain compounds of the present invention, the following general methods, and other methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art, can be applied to all compounds and subclasses and species of each of these compounds, as described herein.

The symbols and conventions used in the following descriptions of processes, schemes, and examples are consistent with those used in the contemporary scientific literature, for example, the Journal of the American Chemical Society or the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Unless otherwise indicated, all temperatures are expressed in ° C. (degrees Centigrade).

All solvents used were commercially available and were used without further purification. Reactions were typically run using anhydrous solvents. Flash column chromatography was generally carried out using symmetry C₁₈ columns feature trifunctionally bonded C₁₈ ligands on a high purity base-deactivated silica.

All NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker DPX-400 NMR spectrometers (400.13 MHz). 1H-NMR chemical shifts (δH) are quoted in parts per million (ppm) downfield from residual non-deuterated solvent peaks as a reference signal, as per published guidelines (J. Org. Chem., Vol. 62, No. 21, 1997). Abbreviations for NMR data ares (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), m (multiplet).

High resolution LC-MS spectra were registered on API 165 EX spectrometer, equipped with Shimadzu LC10 Avp chromatographer and UV-detector Shimadzu SPD 10A vp, light scattering detector ELSD Sedex 75, autosampler Gilson 215.

In general, the compounds of this invention can be prepared from readily available starting materials. If such starting materials are not commercially available, they may be prepared by standard synthetic techniques.

Analytical data of the compounds are summarized in the Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Properties of the compounds 1 to 30 of the invention No Compound Physical properties 1

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 6.15 (m, 6H), 3.80 (d, 2H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 12H), 3.20 (q, 2H), 2.80 (m, 4H), 2.95 (s, 2H), 2.85 (t, 2H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 1.75 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 403 [M + H]⁺ Yield 92% 2

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.35 (s, 1H), 7.85 (t, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.1 (m, 3H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 4.35 (d, 2H), 3.55 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 5H), 3.25 (q, 2H), 2.80 (t, 2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.55(m, 4H), 1,52 (m, 4H), 1.45 (q, 2H) Mass m/z = 447 [M + H]⁺ Yield 96% 3

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.4 (s, 1H), 7.8 (t, 2H), 7, 56 (d, 2H), 6.95-7.2 (m, 4H), 6.85 (d, 1H), 4.40 (d, 2H), 3.95 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 4H), 3.20 (q, 2H), 2.85 (t, 2H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.45 (s, 1H), 2.35 (m, 3H), 1.51-1.55 (m, 4H), 1.45 (q, 2H). Mass m/z = 404 [M + H]⁺ Yield 95% 4

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.8 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7, 10 (m, 6H), 3.80 (t, 2H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 12H), 2.80-3.20 (m, 6H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.48 (m, 5H), 2.27 (m, 1H), 1.35- 1.80 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 403 [M + H]⁺ Yield 95% 5

Mass m/z = 421 [M + H]⁺ Yield 90% 6

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.00 (m, 6H), 3.90 (d, 2H), 3.55 (s, 2H), 3.30 (m, 10H), 2.60-2.90 (m, 6H), 2.50 (s, 4H), 2.45 (m, 1H), 1.45-1.75 (m, 4H). Mass m/z = 389 [M + H]⁺ Yield 91% 7

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.05 (m, 4H), 6.95 (d, 1H), 3.60 (s, 2H), 3.25 (m, 1H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 2.75 (d, 2H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.45-2.60 (m, 4H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 433 [M + H]⁺ Yield 93% 8

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.45 (s, 1H), 7.60 (m, 2H), 7.20 (m, 4H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 4.80 (d, 2H), 3.25 (m, 2H), 3.22 (t, 6H), 2.80 (t, 2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.50(m, 3H), 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 390 [M + H]⁺ Yield 93% 9

Mass m/z = 390 [M + H]⁺ Yield 94% 10

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 7.10 (m, 4H), 3.60 (m, 4H), 3.30 (m, 6H), 2.85 (t, 1H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.55 (m, 4H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 1.55 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 1H). Mass m/z = 407 [M + H]⁺ Yield 97% 11

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.85 (t, 1H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 6.90 (m, 4H), 6.50 (m, 2H), 3.90 (d, 2H), 3.25 (m, 10H), 3.15 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 2.55 (s, 2H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 375 [M + H]⁺ Yield 91% 12

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.38 (s, 1H), 7.95 (t, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 6.95 (m, 3H), 6.45 (m, 2H), 4.45 (d, 2H), 3.30 (m, 10H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 2.45 (m, 3H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 419 [M + H]⁺ Yield 90% 13

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.45 (s, 1H), 7.95 (m, 1H), 7.77 (d, 1H), 6.90 (m, 2H), 6.50 (m, 2H), 4.45 (d, 2H), 3.25 (m, 12H), 2.80-3.20 (m, 6H), 2.45 (s, 1H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 376 [M + H]⁺ Yield 92% 14

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.00 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.00 (m, 4H), 6.50 (m, 2H), 3.85 (m, 2H), 3.80 (m, 9H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 2.50 (m, 1H), 2.30 (m, 1H), 1.75 (m, 1H), 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.40 (m, 1H). Mass m/z = 375 [M + H]⁺ Yield 92% 15

Mass m/z = 393 [M + H]⁺ Yield 96% 16

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.88 (m, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 6.90 (m, 4H), 6.50 (m, 2H), 4.90 (m, 2H), 3.25 (m, 8H), 3.10 (m, 4H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 2.50 (m, 1H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 1.70 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 386 [M + H]⁺ Yield 98% 17

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.37 (s, 1H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 7.95 (m, 3H), 6.60 (t, 1H), 6.45(m, 1H), 4.45 (d, 2H), 3.25 (m, 6H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 6H), 2.45 (m, 2H), 1.65 (m, 4H), 1.45 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 433 [M + H]⁺ Yield 96% 18

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.45 (s, 1H), 7.90 (t, 1H), 7.75 (m, 1H), 6.95 (m, 3H), 6.45(m, 2H), 3.30 (m, 5H), 3.10 (m, 6H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.45 (m, 2H), 1.65 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 390 [M + H]⁺ Yield 95% 19

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.95 (m, 4H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 3.80 (m, 8H), 3.30 (m, 5H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 3.00 (m, 3H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.55 (s, 1H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.79(m, 4H), 1.45(m 1H). Mass m/z = 389 [M + H]⁺ Yield 95% 20

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.20 (t, 1H), 6.90 (m, 2H), 6.60 (t, 1H), 6.45 (d, 1H), 3.55 (t, 2H), 3.25 (m, 10H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 2.90 (m, 2H), 2.80 (m, 4H), 1.50-1.80 (m, 6H), 1.45 (m, 1H). Mass m/z = 407 [M + H]⁺ Yield 92% 21

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 6.90 (m, 3H), 6.65 (m, 2H), 3.90 (d, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (m, 4H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.55 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 5H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 4H). Mass m/z = 419 [M + H]⁺ Yield 95% 22

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.35 (s, 1H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 6.90 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 2H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.25 (m 6H), 2.95 (t, 2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.55 (m, 2H), 2.45 (m, 4H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 419 [M + H]⁺ Yield 93% 23

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.40 (s, 1H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 6.90 (m, 2H), 6.35 (m, 2H), 4.35 (d, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.45 (t, 2H), 3.25 (s, 6H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.45 (m, 4H), 1.50 (m, 4H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 2H). Mass m/z = 420 [M + H]⁺ 24

Mass m/z = 419 [M + H]⁺ Yield 96% 25

Mass m/z = 437 [M + H]⁺ Yield 90% 26

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.80 (t, 1H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 6.95 (m, 32H), 6.65 (m, 2H), 3.85 (d, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.10 (q, 2H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 2.70 (m, 2H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.50 (m, 2H), 2.40 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 433 [M + H]⁺ Yield 91% 27

Mass m/z = 434 [M + H]⁺ Yield 95% 28

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 8.40 (s, 1H), 7.80 (m, 2H), 6.80 (t, 2H), 6.60 (m, 2H), 4.40 (d, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 1H), 3.30 (s, 4H), 3.10 (q, 2H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 2.78 (m, 2H), 2.65 (m, 2H), 2.50 (m, 1H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 434 [M + H]⁺ Yield 96% 29

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 6.90 (m, 1H), 6.70 (d, 2H), 6.65 (m, 1H), 6.60 (s, 1H), 3.55 (m, 7H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 2.75 (m, 8H), 2.45 (m, 1H), 1.75 (m, 3H), 2.65 (m 2H), 2.40 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 3H). Mass m/z = 433 [M + H]⁺ Yield 97% 30

NMR ¹H (DMSO D6): 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 6.15 (m, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.45 (m, 3H), 3.30 (m, 6H), 3.10 (m, 2H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 2.75 (s, 2H), 2.65 (m 2H), 2.40 (m, 2H), 1.65 (m, 6H). Mass m/z = 451 [M + H]⁺ Yield 90%

Example 1

The compounds of the invention can be prepared using the following procedure.

Method A. 1-(4-Cyanophenyl)-N-(3-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(4-cyanophenyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 230 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 3-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propan-1-amine (1 mmol, 190.28 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(4-Cyanophenyl)-N-(3-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (369 mg, 92%). MS: m/z=403 [M+H]⁺.

Method B. N-(3-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)-1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 274 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 3-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propan-1-amine (1 mmol, 190.28 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield N-(3-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)-1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (428 mg, 96%). MS: m/z=447 [M+H]⁺.

Method C. 1-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 231 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then -(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethanamine (1 mmol, 176.26 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (362 mg, 93%). MS: m/z=390 [M+H]⁺.

Method D: 1-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 248 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then -(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethanamine (1 mmol, 176 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)-N-(2-(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide as yellowish solid (394 mg, 97%). MS: m/z=407 [M+H]⁺.

Method E: 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-N-(2-(indolin-1-yl)ethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(4-cyanophenyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 230 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 2-(indolin-1-yl)ethanamine (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-N-(2-(indolin-1-yl)ethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (340 mg, 91%). MS: m/z=375 [M+H]⁺.

Method F: N-(3-(indolin-1-yl)propyl)-1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 274 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 3-(indolin-1-yl)propan-1-amine (1 mmol, 176 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield N-(3-(indolin-1-yl)propyl)-1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (414 mg, 96%). MS: m/z=433 [M+H]⁺.

Method G

To a solution of 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (10 mmol, 1.91 g) and DIPEA (10 mmol, 1.29 g) in CH₂Cl₂, trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1.15 eq, 3.25 g) dropwise were added at 5° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. After this time, the mixture was washed with 5% aqueous solution of NaHCO₃ and water. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated in vacuo to yield 2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate as yellow oil (2.94 g, 92%). MS: m/z=324 [M+H]⁺.

Method H

To a solution of 2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (5 mmol, 1.62 g) in CH₂C₁₂ (100 ml) 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (0.8 eq, 0.65 g) and saturated solution of NaHCO₃ in water (100 ml) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. After this time, the mixture was washed with water. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporate to give crude product of 2-(2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione.

Method I

To a solution of crude 2-(2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione in MeOH (200 ml) N₂H₄H₂O (25 mmol, 1.71 g) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. A pellet developed gradually and was filtered. The solvent was evaporated. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give 2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethanamine as white solid (0.93 g, 90%). MS: m/z=207 [M+H]⁺

Method J: 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-N-(2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(4-cyanophenyl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 230 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethanamine (1 mmol, 206 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-N-(2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (397 mg, 95%). MS: m/z=419 [M+H]⁺.

Method K: N-(2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)-1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 274 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethanamine (1 mmol, 206 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield N-(2-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)ethyl)-1-(5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl)piperidine-4-carboxamide as white solid (430 mg, 93%). MS: m/z=463 [M+H]⁺.

Method L

6-Methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (10 mmol, 1.99 g) was dissolved in ethanol (100 mL) and treated with Et₃N (10 mmol, 1.01 g) and an access of acrylonitrile (30 mmol, 1.59 g). The mixture was heated to reflux for 5 h. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was portioned between CH₂C₁₂ and water. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. Evaporation of the solvent yielded the crude product, which could be purified by chromatography to give 3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propanenitrile as white solid (2.07 g, 96%). MS: m/z=217 [M+H]⁺.

Method M

A solution of 3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propanenitrile (5 mmol, 1.08 g) in THF (10 ml) was added dropwise to a freshly prepared suspension of AlCl₃ (9 mmol, 1.20 g) and LiAlH₄ (9.25 mmol, 0.35 g) in THF (dry, 250 mL) under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. Workup was initiated by careful subsequent addition of water (5 mmol, 0.1 mL), NaOH (1N, 5 mL), and another portion of water (20 mmol, 0.4 mL) and filtration of the salts thus formed over Celite. The clear solution was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to yield 3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propan-1-amine as white solid (0.94 g, 86%). MS: m/z=221 [M+H]⁺.

Method N: 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-N-(3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(4-cyanophenyl)piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 230 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propan-1-amine (1 mmol, 220 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-N-(3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide as white solid (419 mg, 97%). MS: m/z=433 [M+H]⁺.

Method O: 1-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide

To a solution of 1-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (1 mmol, 248 mg) in DMF (2 mL) CDI CDI (1 mmol, 162 mg) was added, and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h, then 3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propan-1-amine (1 mmol, 220 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 5% aqueous solution Na₂CO₃. Layers were separated, the organic one dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield 1-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-(6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)propyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide as white solid (405 mg, 90%). MS: m/z=451 [M+H]⁺.

Example 2

Test compounds 1 to 30 of the invention, as indicated in the table 1, were tested at a single concentration for their ability to modulate Toll-like receptors on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC's).

Namely, in the present experiment their ability was evaluated to inhibit TLR7/8 in human PBMC's, as measured by the release of specific cytokines. The following cytokines were measured for a complete cytokine response profile (no dilution of samples): IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, TNFα and IFNα.

Levels of each cytokine induction were interpolated from standard curves using a 5-parameter non-linear regression analysis, where y=(A+((B−A)/(1+(((B−E)/(E−A))*((x/C){circumflex over ( )}D))))). The interpolated data were then normalized to the vehicle control. Percent of control (PoC) was also calculated using the formula, PoC=(test sample/positive vehicle control)×100.

Cryopreserved human PBMC's were drip-thawed. Cells were diluted to the appropriate density (1×10⁵ per well) and seeded into 96-well polypropylene plates with 150 μL per well of culture medium (RPMI 1640, 10% heat-inactivated Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 1% penicillin/streptomycin, 2 mM L-glutamine) for compound test wells. For the control wells, cells (1×10⁵ per well) were plated in 150 μL per well of culture medium.

Cells were incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 1 hour prior to the addition of test compounds or controls.

Test compounds were solubilized in DMSO to make 20× stock solutions, then diluted further with cell culture medium. Thiazoloquinolone derivative CL075 that stimulates TLR7/8 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was resuspended in endotoxin-free water at 1 mg/mL to make working stock solutions.

Test compounds were added to the PBMC's in volumes of 10 μL and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C., 5% CO₂. Compounds were tested in duplicates at final assay concentrations of 10 μM. At the same time the reference compound, dexamethasone, was added as a control in volumes of 10 to give a final assay concentration of 100 nM and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C., 5% CO₂. After the 1-hour incubation, 40 μL appropriate diluted working stock TLR ligands were added to the test and reference compound wells, respectively to give final assay volumes of 200 μL. The control CL075 was used at 2 μg/mL.

Plates were incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 24 hours. Plates were centrifuged at 200×g for 10 minutes. Cell culture supernatants were collected and stored at −80° C. until needed for analysis.

The positive control CL075 (2 μg/mL) stimulated the release of appropriate cytokines from human PBMC's.

Table 2 demonstrates TLR7/8 dual inhibition in human PBMC's stimulated with test compounds and CL075 as 100% dual inhibition control for 24 hours. Harvested cell culture supernatants were measured for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, TNFα and IFNα release to assess dual TLR7/8 inhibition.

TABLE 2 TLR7/8 Inhibition, POC. IL-1β IL-6 IL- TNFα IFNα (POC (POC 12p40 (POC (POC Compounds %) %) (POC %) %) %) Compounds 1-30 60-150 30-180 40-95 65-105 30-105 of the invention according to Table 1 CL075 (control) 100 100 100 100 100 Dexamethasone 26.8 34.7 34.2 95.2 26.1 Solvent (0.1% 0 0 0 0 0 DMSO) Unstimulated 0 0 0 0 0

The data provided in the Table 2 confirmed that the TLR7/8 inhibition assay, the test compounds of the present invention significantly inhibited the release of cytokines induced by CL075 treatment.

In the same TLR7/8 inhibition assay, test compounds showed inhibition of IL-1β, IL-12p40 and IFNα release from human PBMC's, following CL075 treatment. The reference compound, dexamethasone, inhibited the release of cytokines within expected ranges.

Example 3. TLR7/8 Inhibition Assay IC50

To test compounds of the invention for their ability to inhibit Toll-like receptors (TLR) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC's), as measured by the release of specific cytokines, the compounds were tested in eight different concentrations.

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) is a measure of the potency of a substance in inhibiting a specific biological or biochemical function. This quantitative measure indicates how much the compound (inhibitor) is needed to inhibit a given biological process (or component of a process, i.e. an enzyme, cell, cell receptor or microorganism) by half.

Cryopreserved human PBMC's were drip-thawed. Cells were diluted to the appropriate density (1×105 per well) and seeded into 96-well polypropylene plates with 150 μL per well of culture medium (RPMI 1640, 10% heat-inactivated FBS, 1% penicillin/streptomycin, 2 mM L-glutamine) for compound test wells. For the control wells, cells (1×10⁵ per well) were plated in 150 μL per well of culture medium. Cells were incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 1 hour prior to the addition of test compounds or controls. Test compounds were solubilized in DMSO to make 20× stock solutions, and then diluted further with cell culture medium. The positive controls, CL075 were resuspended in endotoxin-free water at 1 mg/mL to make working stock solutions.

Test compounds were added to the PBMC's in volumes of 10 μL and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C., 5% CO₂. Compounds were tested in duplicates at final assay concentrations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.01 μM. At the same time the reference compound, dexamethasone, was added as a control in volumes of 10 μL to give a final assay concentration of 100 nM and incubated for 1 hour at 37° C., 5% CO₂. After the 1-hour incubation, 40 μL appropriate diluted working stock TLR 7/8 ligands were added to the test and reference compound wells, respectively to give final assay volumes of 200 μL. Controls were added to the PBMC's in volumes of 40 μL of diluted working stock, followed by addition of 10 μL of appropriately diluted vehicle, to mimic compound addition, to give final assay volumes of 200 μL. Consequently, the final DMSO vehicle concentration in the assay was from 1 to 0.5%. The control CL075 was used at 2 μg/mL.

Plates were incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 24 hours. Than plates were centrifuged at 200×g for 10 minutes. Cell culture supernatants were collected and stored at −80° C. until needed for analysis. Cytokine levels in each sample were determined using Luminex methodology, per the manufacturer's protocol.

Levels of each cytokine induction were interpolated from standard curves using 5 parameter non-linear regression analysis, where y=(A+((B−A)/(1+(((B−E)/(EA))*((x/C){circumflex over ( )}D))))). The interpolated data were then normalized to the vehicle or unstimulated control. Percent of control (PoC) was also calculated using the formula, PoC=(test sample/positive vehicle control)×100.

Outlier calculation was performed using the Grubbs maximum normed residual test.

Harvested cell culture supernatants were measured for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, TNFα and IFNα release to assess TLR7/8 inhibition

Eight test compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the TLR7/8 in PBMC's from one human donor following incubation of 24 hours.

In the TLR7/8 inhibition assay, the test compounds 1 to 30 inhibited the release of cytokines induced by CL075 treatment in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, the reference compound, dexamethasone, inhibited the release of cytokines within expected ranges.

The positive control, CL075 (2 μg/mL) stimulated the release of appropriate cytokines from human PBMC's in each specific TLR assay. The levels of cytokine secretion were measurable and within expected ranges. Exemplary compounds activity is illustrated in Table 3.

TABLE 3 IC50 levels for test compounds compound IL-1β L-6 L-12p40 TNFα IFNα  9 C C B C A 15 A C B C C 19 C C C C A 22 C C C C A 24 C C B C A 25 C A B C A 26 C C B A A 27 A C A B A A - IC₅₀ ≤ 10 μM; B - 10 μM < IC₅₀ ≤ 20 μM; C - IC₅₀ > 20 μM 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of general formula (I):

wherein, ring B is a substituted or unsubstituted monocycle containing 5-6 atoms, the monocycle being selected from an aryl, or heteroaryl, wherein the or heteroaryl has 1 heteroatom that is nitrogen; G represents a bond; one of W, U, E and J represents CR-T and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂; T represents:

wherein, Z is selected from —N—C(O)— or —(O)C—N; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 24, thereby forming an alkylene chain, the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy; A is one of pyridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, A1, A2, A3, or A4,

which A is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups, R1 is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogen, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, —CN, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; R2 is one or more of, independently on each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, —CN, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₂₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —OR, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C³⁻¹⁰ aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms that are independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has general formula (II):

wherein, Y and L are independently CR1 or N, where at least one of Y and L is CR1; or optionally one of Y and L is absent, one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 12, thereby forming an alkylene chain, the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₂₀alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy; R1 is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, F, Cl, halogenated C₁-C₄ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or —CN; R2 is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, or —CN; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —OR, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 3. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has general formula (III):

wherein, Y and L are independently CR1 or N, where at least one of Y and L is CR1, and optionally, one of Y and L can be absent; one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂; T represents T1 or T2:

wherein, X represents —(CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain; the chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₂₀alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy; R1 is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, F, Cl, halogenated C₁-C₄ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, or —CN; R2 is one or more of, independently of each other, H, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, —OR, —SR, or —CN; and each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —OR, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 4. The compound of claim 3, wherein in the formula (III), T represents T1:

wherein X is —(CH₂)_(n)— and n is 1 to 5, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 5. The compound of claim 1, wherein in the formula (III), T represents:

wherein rings in T4, T5, T8, and/or T9, are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups, wherein each R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, halogen, —OH, —OR, —NO₂, —CN, —COOH, —CHO, —SO₃H, —SO₂R, —SOR, —NH₂, —NHR, —NR₂, —CHal₃, —NHCO(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —CONHR, —C(O)R, —CO₂R, —C(O)N(R)₂, —NRC(O)R, —NRC(O)N(R)₂, —NRSO₂R, a 3-8 membered saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl, C₃-10 aryl, a 3-7 membered heterocylic ring having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, or a 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein: one of W, U, E and J represents —CH(T)- and the rest of W, U, E and J are independently absent or independently represent CR₂; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain, the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; A represents a structure selected from:

which is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups independently selected from C₁-C₆ alkyl, —F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —OMe, —OEt, hydroxy C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, —OH, or —CN; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 7. The compound of claim 1 wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from halogen, —CN, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, —CHal₃, —C(O)OR wherein R is H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, NR₂ wherein R is independently H, C₁-C₁₀ alkyl or together form 3-8 membered saturated or unsaturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring which contains at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 8. The compound of claim 4, wherein in the formula (III), T represents T1:

wherein X is —(CH₂)_(n)— and n is 1 to 5, R1 is one or two substituents, and each R₁ independently represents CF₃, F, or —CN, R2 represents H, A is substituted with C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 9. The compound of claim 3, wherein in the formula (III), T represents T1:

X represents (—CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain, wherein the alkylene chain is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆alkoxy; A represents:

wherein the number of R groups is varied from 1 to 3 and each R is independently selected from a halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy-, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 10. The compound of claim 9, wherein A represents:

wherein R represents F, Cl, OH, CN, OMe, OEt, OPr, O-iPr, NH₂, NO₂, COOH, COOMe, or COOEt, or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 11. The compound of claim 3, wherein the compound has a structure of formula (IV):

wherein, Y and L are independently CH or N, wherein at least one of Y or L is CH; or optionally one of Y and L is absent, G1 is CH₂ or absent, each R is independently selected from H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, or —CN; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain that is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The compound of claim 3, wherein the compound has formula (V):

wherein, Y is CH or N; or optionally Y is absent, each R is independently selected from H, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, or —CN; X represents (—CH₂—)_(n), wherein n=1 to 6, thereby forming an alkylene chain that is optionally substituted with a halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₈ alkynyl, halogenated C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy C₁-C₆ alkyl, or C₁-C₆ alkoxy; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, salts thereof.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more compounds according to claim 1 or a salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 14. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is Compound 27:


15. The compound of claim 1, wherein: B is phenyl or pyridinyl; G is a bond; U is CR₂; W is CR-T or CR₂; E is CR-T or CR₂; J is CR-T or CR₂, wherein only one of W, E, or J is CR-T; Z is an amide; X is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl chain; and A is one of pyridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, A1, A2, A3, or A4, which A is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 16. The compound of claim 1, wherein: B is pyridinyl; G is a bond; U is CH₂; W is CH₂; E is CH-T; J is CH₂; Z is an amide; X is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl chain; and A is one of pyridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, A1, A2, A3, or A4, which A is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R groups; or a stereoisomeric form or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 17. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from one of the following structures: 